Organized Population-based Screening

National Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programme in Croatia was launched to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer through organized population-based screening. The programme aims to detect precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer before symptoms appear, enabling timely treatment and significantly improving health outcomes. It also seeks to increase participation in preventive examinations and strengthen public awareness of cervical cancer prevention.

A Pilot Phase

Originally introduced in 2012 for women aged 25–64, the programme was reorganized in 2019 to improve screening effectiveness and participation rates. Since 2023, a pilot phase of the reorganized programme has been underway in one of Croatia’s counties. The new approach uses Pap testing for women aged 20–29 and combined Pap and HPV testing for women aged 30–64, with the goal of developing an updated national screening model.

HPV Vaccination

In addition to screening, HPV vaccination has been available in Croatia since 2007 and has been included in the national immunization programme for school children since 2016. Together, vaccination and screening form the foundation of cervical cancer prevention, helping to detect precancerous changes early and further reduce the burden of the disease.